Overview

One of the most welcoming mountain resort villages, Arc 1950 in the Savoie region of the French Alps offers families with young skiers a completely safe, car-free, ski-in-ski-out environment plus access to a vast ski area with more than 425km of pistes.

As its name implies, Arc 1950 sits over 1950m above sea level so is snow-sure, whether you visit over February half term or in spring. The skiing goes up to 3250m and represents a full mix, with glacier skiing, forest runs for shelter, groomed runs and funparks.

Opened as recently as 2003, Arc 1950 sits in the heart of the vast Les Arcs ski area and links into the Paradiski region (including La Plagne) by means of the enormous Vanoise Express double-decker cable-car.

This is a lively resort in both winter and summer, with a busy calendar of events that will keep all ages entertained, from night-sledging and freeride and freestyle weeks, to Carnival, film festivals, and fashion and Saint Patrick weeks. As every residence has an outdoor pool and there are lots of outdoor activities on offer, Arc 1950 is a popular choice for a summer holiday in the mountains.

Things to do with kids in Arc 1950

Ski or snowboard. You have the option of booking kids into the P’tit Cariboo club (nine months to three years) or Cariboo Club (three to 13 years), or signing them up for lessons at the Spirit Ski School by Evolution 2. You might also mix ski school with the Cariboo for lunch, giving you a longer ski day. Teens can take part in back-country courses, junior freeride and racing camps, and more.

If you have any energy left after a day on the slopes, try tobogganing, speed-riding (a combination of freestyle skiing and paragliding), ski-joering, dog-sledding, snowmobiling or even a helicopter ride. There’s also a giant airbag to leap into, plus an ice igloo just above the village, with a bar, restaurant and ice grotto with statues.

Enjoy some après-ski in the resort’s 1000m2 Deep Nature spa (children are allowed at specific times and can get their own treatments).

In summer, take part in fresh-air activities for all ages including hiking, mountain-biking, paragliding and archery. Every Wednesday in the summer season is dedicated to family entertainment: themed shows, games, workshops and even a fancy-dress ball.

Eat

Arc 1950 has a lovely selection of bars and restaurants, including the homely Wood Bear café for coffee and lunches, an Irish bar, George’s Wine Bar, and O’Chaud for cocktails. On the slopes you’ll find a full choice of alpine eateries, from funky tapas bars such as Bulle café to more open-plan, self-service ski restaurants.

When to go to Arc 1950

Arc 1950 is open for winter activities from mid December to almost the end of April. Summer sees a weekly program of activities from mid July to the end of August.

Cost

Arc 1950 is a good-value ski destination by virtue of being made up of a handful of self-catering residences. You can save money by self catering 100%, even skiing back to your residence for lunch. Driving to Arc 1950 from the UK will also reduce costs.

Lift-passes include a day taking the Vanoise Express over to La Plagne, which adds value.